CREED

Of the United States

SURFMAN

I will to the best of my ability, pursue each
mission with the commitment, compassion,
and courage inherent in the title
“SURFMAN.”
I will endeavor to reinforce the worldwide
reputation of our forefathers in the
Lifeboat Community.
I will maintain a guardian’s eye on my crew
at all times, and keep a cool, yet
deliberate, hand on the throttle.
I will give of myself and my knowledge as
those who gave to me; so as the line
of Coast Guard Surfman will live forever.
I will ensure that my supervisors rest easy
with the knowledge that I am at the
helm, no matter what the conditions.
I will never unnecessarily jeopardize myself,
my boat, or my crew; but will do so freely
to rescue those in peril.
I will strive with dedication and determination
to bring credit upon Coast Guard Surfmen
past and future.

I am proud to hold the title of Surfman #374 in the U.S. Coast Guard Registry of Surfmen. 💙🛟🇺🇸

TheSurfmanCreed David Michael Ramsey @surfman374

On 

David Michael Ramsey is a highly decorated U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) veteran who was awarded the 

Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) Gold Medalin 2007 for his exceptional heroism during a high-stakes rescue mission. 

AFRAS Gold Medal Rescue (2006)

In 2006, while serving as a Boatswain’s Mate First Class at USCG Station Cape Disappointment, Ramsey led a crew on Motor Lifeboat 47248 to rescue the 50-foot fishing vessel Cathrine M. 

• Conditions: The rescue occurred in the “Graveyard of the Pacific” (Columbia River Bar) amidst 25- to 35-foot seas and 25-foot breaking waves.
• The Mission: Despite not yet being a fully certified Surfman at the time, Ramsey expertly maneuvered the lifeboat into the dangerous Peacock Spit to establish a stern tow.
• Result: He shielded the fishing vessel from the brunt of the surf until they reached calmer waters, successfully avoiding an imminent loss of life. 

Professional Background

• USCG Career: Ramsey served over 20 years in the Coast Guard, eventually becoming a certified Surfman and the Chief of Operations for the service’s largest enlisted unit.
• Other Roles: He also served as a Federal Law Enforcement Boarding Officer and a Small Arms Instructor.
• Post-Service Ventures: Following his military career, he founded Gator-Gripp, a company that manufactures heavy-duty universal mounting systems for outdoor gear on vehicles like ATVs and boats. 
• Unfortunately shortly after she sank off tillamook Bay Oregon

January 15, 2006, the 50-foot commercial crabbing vessel F/V Catherine M capsized and sank near the south jetty at the mouth of Tillamook Bay, Oregon. 

Rescue Effort and Outcome

• The Incident: The vessel was returning to port at approximately 1:24 a.m. when it capsized in heavy seas.
• Response: The U.S. Coast Guard received a third-party report of the incident and launched a search and rescue operation.
• Casualties: Despite the rescue efforts, all three men aboard—skipper Craig Larsen and deckhands Jeffrey King and Trona Griffin—lost their lives.
• Investigation Findings: A subsequent investigation by the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office revealed that all three crew members had methamphetamines in their systems at the time of the accident.